210 killed in anti-terror operation, says Ukraine

Kiev: At least 210 people has been killed since the start of the "active phase" of the Ukrainian government`s anti-terror operation in eastern regions, the country`s Health Minister Oleg Musiy said Wednesday.

"The total number of bodies transferred to morgues has climbed to 210 since the beginning of the operation," Xinhua quoted Musiy as saying.

The toll includes 14 children and nine women.

The minister confirmed Ukrainian servicemen, civilians and insurgents were suffering casualties, but declined to give more details on the exact cause of the victims` deaths.

Kiev started its military operation against insurgents April 13, but suspended it a week later following an agreement with Russia, the US and the European Union in Geneva, under which all sides agreed to refrain from violence.

The government stepped up the operation in eastern regions early May after armed activists allegedly kidnapped and tortured several journalists and murdered a pro-government politician.